The impact ofsmall scale chicken farming on livelihood of the agricultural households in Kampala City suburbs: A case study on Nansana Town Council

Abstract

This study’s main objective was to assess the impact of small scale chicken production on the livelihood of agricultural households in Kampala suburbs, a case study of Nansana town council. This study used a cross-sectional design to collect data from agricultural households and communities using survey and ethnographic study approaches. While the survey component was crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of the extent of the impact of small scale chicken production on the livelihood of agricultural households, A Total of 51 household’s members were interviewed and one respondent represented each household. In addition, including several key informant interviews.The results indicate that small scale chicken production is one of the major components of livelihoods in Nansana Town Council where at least each homestead keeps chicken. A large percentage of poultry farmers are women since men usually leave poultry farming to women and children because of the perception that poultry farming is a minor and not benefitting men’s efforts. This implies that women play a significant role in chicken keeping and as a result, chicken contribute directly to household food security and the wellbeing of children. In all areas visited, Household interviews show that majority of respondents obtained food, household items and consumables, such as source pans, paraffin, etc from selling poultry. Based on findings from this study, we suggest some policy recommendations. First, we recommend policy interventions in the poultry production sector in Nansana town council in order to enhance the benefits of poultry in farmer’s livelihoods. There should be public information and education programs on indigenous poultry production. There is need to form poultry clubs and associations for formal institutional set ups, such as task forces to fight disease outbreaks but should also use informal institutions, such as village community organizations to spread the message. Here, the important message is that it is easier to manage groups than scattered individual farmers. Finally, there should be an increased investment in research and development through introduction of multi-disciplinary approach to research about the role of poultry in farmer’s livelihood.